Box Score BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Hanover Panthers (6-4 overall) returned to the hardwood this afternoon, competing as part of the 2023 McDonald's Holiday Classic -- hosted by Bluffton University – and taking on non-conference foe Mount Union. Hanover used a dominate third quarter en route to the 69-59 victory.
 
Junior Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) turned in her 10^th double-digit scoring performance of the year with a game-high 28 points. Junior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) netted 12 points while freshman Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) added 10 points.
 
The first period saw the two teams exchange the lead when freshman Reagan Martin (Spencer, Ind.) drained a deep ball at the 2:59 mark to put HC on top 14-13. However, the Raiders of Mount Union remained poised, and were able to rattle off an 8-0 run that carried into the second frame for the 22-14 lead.
 
The Panthers clawed back with a run of their own as Bezold netted six straight points over a two minute span to cut the difference to just 28-24. They entered the intermission with the 34-31 lead following a pair of free throws from sophomore Kylah Lawson (Columbus, Ind.).
 
Bezold led all scorers in the first half with 21 points, marking her fifth 20 plus point game of the season.
 
The Hanover offense fired on all cylinders in the second half surging in front 46-33 with a 10-0 run led by Katherine Benter. Benter continued to be the hot hand in the third quarter as she helped propel HC on top 54-36. The Panthers outscored the Raider 20-5 in the frame.
 
Mount Union attempted the fourth quarter comeback netting 10 straight points to pull within 60-53 when Lawson deemed clutch at the free throw line with just under three to play. The rest was history with Benter netting the final two points en route to the Panthers fourth straight win.  
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 30 when they wrap-up action as part of the McDonald's Holiday Classic taking on Muskingum. Tip-off is slated for 12 PM.